Carrycot vs bedside crib: which is better?
Short answer: They do different jobs. A carrycot is a lie-flat bassinet that clips onto a pushchair chassis. A bedside crib is a small crib with a drop-down or removable side that attaches safely to your bed, so your baby has their own separate sleep space beside you. Choose by your baby's stage, your space and how long you want to use it.
Carrycot
Used from birth until your baby reaches the maker's limit.
- Check it fits your chassis.
- Check whether it is approved for overnight sleep. Only some are.
- Use the mattress supplied, with nothing added.
Bedside crib
Used from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
- Check it is made to BS EN 1130:2019.
- Make sure the fixing straps suit your bed frame and leave no gap between the crib and your mattress.
- Check the maximum weight and stage limits in the instructions.
| Carrycot | Bedside crib | |
|---|---|---|
| Typical use | from birth until your baby reaches the maker's limit | from birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit |
What the guidance says
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position (feet at the bottom of the cot, Moses basket or pram).
- Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition, with no raised or cushioned edges, that fits the cot or Moses basket with no gaps.
- The NHS advises placing your baby in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep, day and night, for at least the first 6 months.
- Moses baskets and carrycots: look for BS EN 1466:2014 or BS EN 1466:2023.
- Bedside cribs: look for BS EN 1130:2019.
Related questions
How long can you use a carrycot?
From birth until your baby reaches the maker's limit.
How long can you use a bedside crib?
From birth, for the early months of room sharing, until your baby reaches the maker's weight or development limit.
Shop at Baby Kingdom
Check each product page for its exact dimensions, mattress size, age and weight limits and safety standards.
More advice
When should I buy a double pushchair?Pram vs pushchair: which is better?Can a 7 month old sleep in a car seat?Are travel systems safe for newborns?Is a stroller right for you? Quick quizCarrycots buying guide for UK parentsAll prams, pushchairs and travel systems advice →
Sources
- NHS: Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) (accessed 2026-10-21)
- The Lullaby Trust: Baby mattresses and bedding (accessed 2026-10-21)
General information only, not medical advice. Always follow your product's instructions. If you are worried about your baby, contact your GP, health visitor or 111. In an emergency, call 999.